The pass rate for some of the most popular SQA qualifications - including at Higher - has fallen this year when compared with 2020, the first year the exams were cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher have all risen when compared to 2019, which was the last year when students sat the usual national exams, as opposed to their grades being assigned by their teachers.

The figures, published today by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), show that the grade A to C pass rate for National 5 this year is85.8per cent, as compared to 89 per cent in 2020 and 78.2 per cent in 2019.

The A to C pass rate for Higher this year is 87.3 per cent, as compared to 89.3 per cent in 2020, and 74.8 per cent in 2019.

The Advanced Higher pass rate this year is 90.2 per cent, as compared to 93.1 per cent in 2020, and 79.4 per cent in 2019.

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This year, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, SQA national exams were cancelled for the second time .

However, teachers and students protested that the evidence needed to support grades meant senior pupils still faced a series of high stakes assessments when schools returned following the second national lockdown.

These graphs will fuel a lot of discussion. Keep up with our #SQAresultsday coverage on our live blog. https://t.co/Swa2SKiznY @TesScotland @Emma_Seith #SQA #SQAresults pic.twitter.com/qahB56QhBf

- Henry Hepburn (@Henry_Hepburn) August 10, 2021

And, while the Scottish government promised that previous attainment would have no bearing on this year’s results - given the controversy in 2020 over teachers’ judgements being changed - an Education Scotland report published in June found that “most” councils planned to analyse the grades assigned by teachers against their school’s historical attainment data, in order to “identify and address any unexpected provisional grades”.

We will have more coverage of SQA results throughout the day - check for updates on our SQA results day 2021 live blog.

EIS teaching union general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “Scotland’s young people have endured a particularly difficult period over the past year, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic creating many challenges in all aspects of their lives including their education. The late decision to cancel the exam diet and to move to the alternative certification model (ACM) inevitably created additional pressures on students, but it is clear that Scotland’s young people have performed exceptionally well in the most trying of circumstances and they can be extremely proud of all that they have achieved.”

Mr Flanagan added: “The additional pressure and workload created by the late move to adopt the ACM, compounded by a three-month lock-down, placed a particularly heavy burden on teachers and lecturers, and they deserve sincere thanks for their absolute commitment to ensuring that young people could receive the grades that they deserved.

“As we look ahead to the welcome replacement of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and a refresh of a qualifications system that still places too much emphasis on high-stakes end of year exams, there will be lessons to learn from this year’s experience. Today, however, is about recognising and celebrating the successes of Scotland’s young people.”

Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said that the 2021 SQA results data published shows a “strong” set of results, adding they had been “achieved under extraordinary circumstances”.

“It’s been one of the toughest academic years we’ve ever known, with the pandemic throwing significant challenges at our young people,” she said

“So to have this many learners receiving certificates and for the number of passes at Higher and Advanced Higher to be so high is incredible.”

Ms Somerville added: “These results are testament to the hard work, resilience and determination of learners - and to the dedication of their endlessly supportive teachers and lecturers, who have been with them every step of the way, going above and beyond to make sure pupils got the grades they deserve.

“Learners can be confident that their awards are fair, consistent and credible. Indeed, industry representatives have made it clear how much they value this year’s qualifications.”

SQA chief executive Fiona Robertson, in response to today’s results data, said: “This has been a very challenging year for everyone and today is a results day like no other.

With awarding based on teacher and lecturer judgement this year, learners have known their results since the end of June. However, as envelopes, text messages and emails arrive from SQA this morning, it is a time to celebrate the achievements of learners right across Scotland.

“Today, almost 137,000 learners have received SQA certificates, the largest since 2017 and we report on a strong set of results.”

Ms Robertson added: “The whole Scottish education system, including learners, parents and carers, has worked together to develop and deliver an alternative certification model that makes sure that learners have received the qualifications they deserve, and can move on to further or higher education, training or employment, with confidence.

“Everyone worked hard to ensure the model was credible and fair so we can all have confidence in the certificates that have been awarded today.

“I want to thank everyone who has played their part, directly or indirectly, in delivering for learners this year in the most exceptional circumstances.”

*Check for updates on our SQA results day 2021 live blog.